Systems and methods for regulating charging of electric vehicles

ABSTRACT

A converter includes a plurality of switching elements, at least one capacitance, and a resonant circuit. The plurality of switching elements include a first switching element coupled to a first control signal line that controls switching of the first switching element, a second switching element coupled to a second control signal line that controls switching of the second switching element, a third switching element coupled to a third control signal line that controls switching of the third switching element, and a fourth switching element coupled to a fourth control signal line that controls switching of the fourth switching element. The plurality of switching elements, the resonant circuit, and the at least one capacitance operate to convert a first voltage into a second voltage that charges a first battery and a second battery.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/005,808, filed Jun. 12, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure is generally directed to vehicle systems and methods, and more particularly to charging systems and methods for vehicles.

BACKGROUND

Most vehicles, in particular electric and hybrid vehicles, include power systems usually referred to as battery systems that provide power to, monitor, and control the operation of the vehicles. For example, the battery system of an electric vehicle acts as a power source for the vehicle's powertrain as well as auxiliary components or features, such as heating and cooling components, dashboard electronics, etc. As the industry continues to develop, additional/alternative power systems are desired to support vehicle applications where higher voltage, e.g., 800V, becomes increasingly attractive to reduce battery charging time, for example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle (or electric vehicle) in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an example schematic of a power system of the electric vehicle in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the converter of FIG. 2 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a timing diagram for controlling the switching of the plurality of switching elements in FIG. 3 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating example operations of the system(s) in FIGS. 2-4 in accordance with at least one example embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates another example of the converter of FIG. 2 according to at least one other example embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates an example timing diagram for controlling the converter of FIG. 6 according to at least one other example embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example timing diagram for controlling the converter of FIG. 6 according to at least one example embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method relating to FIGS. 1-8 according to at least one other example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in connection with a vehicle, and more particularly with respect to an automobile. However, for the avoidance of doubt, the present disclosure encompasses the use of the aspects described herein in vehicles other than automobiles.

To power up all the thermal components as well as auxiliary load of a vehicle while vehicle is using an 800V DC fast charge system, a DCDC converter is needed. A conventional DCDC converter for this application is expensive with heavy and big inductive components.

A switched capacitor topology provides the benefits of low cost, low volume, and low weight when it is used to replace the conventional DCDC converter. Here, it may be desired for the switch capacitor topology to regulate the output voltage to a desired value in order improve the performance of the topology. In addition, with control strategies according to example embodiments, the SC topology can precisely balance the two battery packs connected in series during 800V DC fast charge, which provides additional benefit to the electric vehicle.

Example embodiments provide 800V DCDC fast charging becomes for a 400V powertrain system. A DCDC converter according to example embodiments can provide a 400V output from an 800V input to power all the powertrain components during 800V DC fast charging. A switched capacitor topology can be used in this 800V DC fast charging system, and with the proposed control strategy, the output voltage of the SC topology can be regulated, which improves its performance. If two battery packs are in series, this SC topology can help to balance the two battery pack voltages.

A switched topology for 800V DC fast charging includes a resonant tank with an inductor and a capacitor, four power switches, and two DC link capacitors.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle (or electric vehicle) 100 in accordance with example embodiments. The vehicle 100 comprises a vehicle front 110, vehicle aft 120, vehicle roof 130, at least one vehicle side 160, a vehicle undercarriage 140, and a vehicle interior 150. The vehicle 100 may include a frame 104, one or more body panels 108 mounted or affixed thereto, and a windshield 118. The vehicle 100 may include one or more interior components (e.g., components inside an interior space 150, or user space, of a vehicle 100, etc.), exterior components (e.g., components outside of the interior space 150, or user space, of a vehicle 100, etc.), drive systems, controls systems, structural components, etc.

Coordinate system 102 is provided for added clarity in referencing relative locations in the vehicle 100. In this detailed description, an object is forward of another object or component if the object is located in the −X direction relative to the other object or component. Conversely, an object is rearward of another object or component if the object is located in the +X direction relative to the other object or component.

The vehicle 100 may be, by way of example only, a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Where the vehicle 100 is BEV, the vehicle 100 may comprise one or more electric motors powered by electricity from an on-board battery pack. The electric motors may, for example, be mounted near or adjacent an axis or axle of each wheel 112 of the vehicle, and the battery pack may be mounted on the vehicle undercarriage 140. In such embodiments, the front compartment of the vehicle, referring to the space located under the vehicle hood 116, may be a storage or trunk space. Where the vehicle 100 is an HEV, the vehicle 100 may comprise the above described elements of a BEV with the addition of a gas-powered (or diesel-powered) engine and associated components in the front compartment (under the vehicle hood 116), which engine may be configured to drive either or both of the front wheels 112 and the rear wheels 112. In some embodiments where the vehicle 100 is an HEV, the gas-powered engine and associated components may be located in a rear compartment of the vehicle 100, leaving the front compartment available for storage or trunk space or for other uses. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 may be, in addition to a BEV and an HEV, a fuel cell vehicle.

Although shown in the form of a car, it should be appreciated that the vehicle 100 described herein may include any conveyance or model of a conveyance, where the conveyance was designed for the purpose of moving one or more tangible objects, such as people, animals, cargo, and the like. Typical vehicles may include but are in no way limited to cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, automobiles, trains, railed conveyances, boats, ships, marine conveyances, submarine conveyances, airplanes, space craft, flying machines, human-powered conveyances, and the like.

The vehicle 100 may be capable of autonomous operation, wherein one or more processors receive information from various sensors around the vehicle and use that information to control the speed and direction of the vehicle 100 so as to avoid hitting obstacles and to navigate safely from an origin to a destination. In such embodiments, a steering wheel is unnecessary, as the one or more processors, rather than a vehicle occupant, control the steering of the vehicle 100.

FIG. 2 is an example schematic of a power system 200 for the electric vehicle 100 in accordance with at least one example embodiment. The power system 200 includes an external power source 235 and a Battery Management System (BMS) 203 that acts as a main power source to overall operation of electric motor(s) and other components within the vehicle 100. The external power source 235 may be a charging station for the vehicle 100 or some other voltage source capable of charging the vehicle 100. The external power source 235 may have a first voltage, for example, 800V that is used for charging the batteries 205/210. The batteries 205/210 may have a nominal voltage that is less than the first voltage, for example, 400V.

As shown in FIG. 2, the BMS 203 includes a first battery 205, a second battery 210, a voltage converter 215 (e.g., 10-20 kW), a controller 220, a switching circuit 225, a powertrain and auxiliary components 230, and an external power source (or charger or DC fast charger (DCFC)) 235. The powertrain may include a desired number of inverters (e.g., two inverters) to drive corresponding electric motors (e.g., two motors) to power the vehicle 100. The auxiliary components may include various loads other than the inverters/electric motors, such as other DCDC converters, compressors, panel instruments, etc.

The controller 220 controls operation of the BMS 203. The controller 220 may comprise software, hardware, or a combination thereof. For example, the controller 220 may include a memory including executable instructions and a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) that executes the instructions on the memory. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 220 may comprise hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The controller 220 is coupled to the powertrain/auxiliary components 230, the converter 215, the switching circuit 225, and the batteries 205/210 (through the switching circuit 225). The controller 220 controls a switching frequency or switching sequence of a plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, 325 (see FIG. 3) in the converter 215 to match the resonant frequency such that the converter 215 converts a first voltage (e.g., 800V) into a second voltage (e.g., 400V) to charge the first battery 205 and the second battery 210 (the converter 215 is discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3). In at least one example embodiment, the switching frequency/resonant frequency is about 10 kHz. However, the switching frequency/resonant frequency may vary based on design preferences.

The switching circuit 225 may include one or more switches that the controller 220 turns on and off to control electrical connections to the first battery 205, the second battery 210, the converter 215, and the powertrain/auxiliary components 230. For example, in a driving mode of the vehicle 100, the controller 220 may control the switching circuit 225 such that the first battery 205 and the second battery 210 are connected in parallel to provide power to the powertrain and auxiliary components 230 at a particular voltage (e.g., 400V). As another example, in a charging mode, the controller 220 may control the switching circuit 225 such that the first battery 205 and the second battery 210 are connected in series and connected to the external power source 235 to charge the batteries 205/210 with a particular voltage (e.g., 800V). The number of switches and their configuration in the switching circuit 225 may be design parameters set based on empirical evidence and/or design preferences.

FIG. 2 illustrates that batteries 205 and 210 are separate battery packs. However, it should be further understood that the first battery 205 and the second battery 210 may be a single battery pack tapped at locations that effectively split the single battery pack into two batteries.

The converter 215 may be a voltage converter that converts the first voltage (e.g., 800V from the external power source 235) to a second voltage (e.g., 400V) that is less than the first voltage to power the powertrain/auxiliary components 230, for example, while the vehicle 100 is charging during a charging mode. The voltage converter 215 may be a direct current (DC) to direct current converter (DCDC). In a driving mode of the vehicle 100, the voltage converter 215 is disconnected from the external power source 235 and may be bypassed by the controller 220 to effectively remove the converter 215 from the BMS 203. The voltage converter 215 is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates the voltage converter (or converter) 215 from FIG. 2 according to at least one example embodiment. The converter 215 may be referred to as having a switched capacitor topology.

The converter 215 includes a plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 connected in series and coupled between power signal lines 300/305 that receive a first voltage (e.g., 800V) from an external power source 235. The converter 215 includes at least one capacitance coupled between the power signal lines 300/305. The at least one capacitance may serve to smooth the signal at the output line Vout (also referred to as an output voltage Vout). In FIG. 3, the at least one capacitance includes two capacitances (e.g., two DC link capacitors) C1 and C2 coupled to the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325, the first battery 205 and the second battery 210. The converter 215 includes a resonant circuit 330 coupled to the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325. A switching frequency of the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 is matched to a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 330 such that, during a charging mode, the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325, the resonant circuit 330 and the at least one capacitance operate to convert the first voltage into a second voltage (e.g., 400V) that charges the first battery 205 and the second battery 210. That is, the first voltage is greater than the second voltage.

As shown in FIG. 3, the at least one capacitance includes a first capacitance C1 and a second capacitance C2. The plurality of switching elements includes a first switching element 310 and a second switching element 315 connected in parallel with the first capacitance C1. The plurality of switching elements includes a third switching element 320 and fourth switching element 325 connected in parallel with the second capacitance C2.

In FIG. 3, the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 are power transistors, such as insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs). However, example embodiments are not limited thereto and any suitable switching devices may be employed as the switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325.

The resonant circuit 330 is coupled between a first node N1 and a second node N2. As shown, the first node N1 is between the first switching element 310 and the second switching element 315, and the second node N2 is between the third switching element 320 and the fourth switching element 325. The resonant circuit 330 may be an LC circuit that includes an inductance L connected in series with a third capacitance C3. As noted above, values of C1, C2, C3, and L are selected such that a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 330 is matched to a switching frequency of the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325, where the switching frequency is controlled by the controller 220 during the charging mode (discussed in more detail below). That is, C1, C2, C3, and L are design parameters set based on empirical evidence and/or design preferences. Capacitances C1, C2, C3 may be implemented by capacitors or any other suitable means for achieving desired capacitance values. The inductance L may be implemented by an inductor or any other suitable means for achieving a desired inductance value.

The first switching element 310 and the third switching element 320 are coupled to a first control signal line 335 that receives a first control signal CON1 (e.g., from the controller 220) to control switching of the first and third switching elements 310/320. The second switching element 315 and the fourth switching element 325 are coupled to a second control signal line 340 that receives a second control signal CON2 (e.g., from the controller 220) to control switching of the second and fourth switching elements 315/325.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first battery 205 is coupled between an output line Vout and a first power signal line 300 of the power signal lines. The output line Vout outputs the second voltage (e.g., 400V). The first power signal line 300 is coupled to a positive terminal of the external power source 235. The second battery 210 is coupled between the output line Vout and a second power signal line 305 of the power signal lines. The second power signal line 305 is coupled to a negative terminal of the external power source 235.

The first and second switching elements 310/315 are coupled between the first power signal line 300 and the output line Vout, and the third and fourth switching elements 320/325 are coupled between the output line Vout and the second power signal line 305. The first capacitance C1 is coupled between the first power signal line 300 and the output line Vout so as to be in parallel with the first and second switching elements 310/315. The second capacitance C2 is coupled between the second power signal line 305 and the output line Vout so as to be in parallel with the third and fourth switching elements 320/325.

As shown in FIG. 3, the powertrain/auxiliary components 230 are a load on the second battery 210, where the powertrain/auxiliary components 230 are represented by a resistance and a capacitance. Additionally or alternatively, it should be understood that the powertrain/auxiliary components 230 may be a load on the first battery 205 if desired without departing from the scope of example embodiments.

During a charging mode of the vehicle 100 in which the batteries 205/210 are being charged, the controller 220 controls the switching frequency of the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 via the first and second signal control lines 335/340 connected to gates of the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325. In more detail, the controller 220 controls first and third switching elements 310/320 to be ON during a first time period and OFF during a second time period. The controller 220 controls the second and fourth switching elements 315/325 to be OFF during the first time period and ON during the second time period. The above described timing is discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 4.

Controlling the switching frequencies of the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 to match the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 230 effectively/efficiently converts the first voltage from the external power source 235 into a second voltage for charging the batteries 205/210. When the switching frequency does not match the resonant frequency, the controller 220 adjusts the switching frequency based on feedback from the converter 215. Here, the resonant frequency may be a value known by the controller 220 (e.g., as a result of manufacturing input) or measured by the controller 220 prior to the charging mode (e.g., by conducting tests that solve values for L and C3 in FIG. 3). The feedback may be in the form of the controller 220 monitoring the current through the resonant inductor L at switching transients of the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 to determine whether the current through the inductor L is within a threshold range. The threshold range may be a design parameter set based on empirical evidence and/or design preference. In at least one example embodiment, the threshold range includes OA or about OA. For example, the threshold range may be −100 mA to 100 mA. In the event that the current is outside the threshold range, the controller 220 adjusts switching frequency of the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 by changing the first and second time periods accordingly.

FIG. 4 illustrates a timing diagram for controlling the switching of the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 illustrates ON/OFF states for the pairs of switching elements 310/320 and 315/325.

At or before time t0, the vehicle 100 enters a charging mode in which the batteries 205/210 are to be charged with power from the external power source 235. Initially, at time t0, all of the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 are OFF.

At time t1, the controller 220, via the first control signal CON1 through the first control signal line 335, turns ON switching elements 310 and 320 for a first time period TP1. The controller 220, via the second control signal CON2 through the second control signal line 240, ensures that switching elements 315 and 325 remain OFF for the first time period TP1.

At time t2, the first control signal CON1 turns OFF switching elements 310 and 320 while the second control signal CON2 turns ON switching elements 315 and 325 for the second time period TP2.

At time t3, the first control signal CON1 turns ON switching elements 310 and 320 while the second control signal CON2 turns OFF switching elements 315 and 325 for another first time period TP1. This switching sequence occurs for the duration of the charging mode.

In view of FIG. 4, it may be said that the first time period TP1 and the second time period TP2 alternate. That is, the controller 220 controls the plurality of switching elements for the first time period TP1 and then the second time period TP2, and repeats this process throughout charging. As shown in FIG. 4, the first time period TP1 and the second time period TP2 may have equal durations (i.e., the pair of the first and third switching elements 310/320 has an identical duty cycle to the pair of the second and fourth switching elements 315/325). The first time period TP1 and the second time period TP2 may have different durations, if desired. However, different durations may lead to conversion inefficiencies. The switching frequency of the pairs of switching elements 310/320 and 315/325 is controlled to match the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 330 in order to convert the voltage from the external power source 235 into a voltage that charges the batteries 205/210. In this manner, the converter 215 may accomplish fast charging that automatically balances battery voltages for batteries 205/210 during charging. That is, power from the external power source 235 is distributed to the first and second batteries 205/210 in a manner that ensures the batteries charge evenly regardless of which battery has the load of the powertrain/auxiliary components 230.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating example operations of the system(s) in FIGS. 2-4. In more detail, the operations of FIG. 5 are carried out to charge the first and second batteries 205/210.

While a general order for the steps of the method 500 is shown in FIG. 5, the method 500 can include more or fewer steps or can arrange the order of the steps differently than those shown in FIG. 5. Generally, the method 500 starts at operation 504 and ends at operation 520. The method 500 can be executed as a set of computer-executable instructions executed by the controller 220 and encoded or stored on a computer readable medium. Alternatively, the operations discussed with respect to FIG. 5 may be implemented by the various elements of the system(s) FIGS. 2-4. Hereinafter, the method 500 shall be explained with reference to the systems, components, assemblies, devices, user interfaces, environments, software, etc. described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4.

In operation 508, the method 500 enters a charging mode by connecting an external power source 235 to a converter 215. The converter 215 has a switched capacitor topology (e.g., as in FIG. 3) and is coupled to a first battery 205 and a second battery 210 of an electric vehicle 100. As described above, the external power source 235 provides a first voltage (e.g., 800V).

In operation 512, the method 500 includes controlling a switching sequence of a plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 of the converter 215 such that the converter 215 converts the first voltage into a second voltage. Here, the second voltage may be less than the first voltage. For example, the second voltage may be 400V.

In operation 516, the method 500 includes charging the first battery 205 and the second battery 210 with the second voltage.

FIG. 6 illustrates a voltage converter (or converter) 215A according to at least one example embodiment.

The converter 215A may be referred to as having a switched capacitor topology and may have the same structure as the converter 215 in FIG. 3 except for each switching element is coupled to a separate control signal line. For example, the first switching element 310 is coupled to a first control signal line 345, the second switching element 315 is coupled to a second signal control line 350, the third switching element 320 is coupled to a third signal control line 355, and the fourth switching element 325 is coupled to a fourth signal control line 360. For example, if the switching elements are IGBTs, then gates of each MGT may be coupled to a respective signal control line. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth signal control lines 345, 350, 355, and 360 receive first, second, third, and fourth control signals CON1 to CON4 (e.g., from the controller 220) to control switching of a respective switching element. For example, the first control signal CON1 controls switching of the first switching element 310 at a first switching frequency, the second control signal CON2 controls switching of the second switching element 315 at a second switching frequency, the third control signal CON3 controls switching of the third switching element 320 at a third switching frequency, and the fourth control signal CON4 controls switching of the fourth switching element at a fourth switching frequency 325.

FIG. 7 illustrates a timing diagram for controlling the switching of the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 in FIG. 6. In more detail, FIG. 7 illustrates ON/OFF states for the switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 in FIG. 6 according to at least one example embodiment.

At or before time t1, the vehicle 100 may enter charging mode in which the batteries 205/210 are charged with power from the external power source 235.

At time t1, the controller 220, via the first control signal CON1 through the first control signal line 345, turns ON switching element 310 for a first time period TP1. The controller 220, via the second control signal CON2 through the second control signal line 345 and the third control signal CON3 through the third control signal line 350, turns (or ensures that) switching elements 315 and 320 are OFF for the first time period TP1.

During time period TP1, the switching element 325 is pulsed ON and OFF at least once. For example, at time t2, the controller 220, via the fourth control signal CON4, pulses ON and OFF the switching element 325. Again, at time t3, the controller 220, via the fourth control signal CON4, pulses ON and OFF the switching element 325.

At time t4, the controller 220 supplies the first control signal CON1 to the first control signal line 345 to turn OFF the switching element 310 for a second time period TP2. Also, at time t4, the controller 220 supplies the second control signal CON2 to the second control signal line 350 to turn ON switching element 315 for the second time period TP2, and supplies the fourth control signal CON4 to ensure that the switching element 325 remains OFF for the second time period TP2. Here, it should be appreciated, that time periods TP1 and TP2 may have equal durations (e.g., about 50 microseconds per time period depending on the switching frequency, which is in turn determined by the resonant component value of the resonant circuit 330).

During time period TP2, the switching element 320 is pulsed ON and OFF at least once. For example, at time t5, the controller 220 supplies the third control signal CON3 to the third control signal line 355 to pulse the switching element 320 ON and OFF. Again, at time t6, the controller 220 supplies the third control signal CON3 to the third control signal line 355 to pulse the switching element 320 ON and OFF.

Here, it should be appreciated that the pulses at times t2, t3, t5, and t6 may have a desired duration of, for example, about 1 microsecond (or other desired value selected based on the resonant inductance value). In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the time period TP1 and TP2 may continue to alternate for a desired duration (e.g., the duration of the charging operation). Further, the timing of the pulses at times t2, t3, t5, and t6 within the time periods TP1 and TP2 may vary according to design preferences. In at least one example embodiment, the timing of these pulses is based on a desired amount of inductor current through the inductor in the resonant circuit 330. For example, if the pulses at t2 and t3 (and at t5 and t6) are too close together, then the inductor current becomes undesirably large and/or unstable. On the other hand, if the pulses at t2 and t3 (and at t5 and t6) are too far apart, then the inductor current in the resonant circuit 330 becomes undesirably low. Accordingly, the timing of the pulses within the time periods TP1 and TP2 may be selected to as to achieve a desired inductor current through the inductor of the resonant circuit 330. The desired inductor current may be a design parameter set based on empirical evidence and/or preference.

It should be further appreciated that the time periods TP1 and TP2 as well as the number of pulses for switching elements 320 and/or 325 are not limited to the number and/or duration shown in FIG. 7 and may vary according to design preferences. Additionally, it should be understood that driving the converter 215A of FIG. 6 according to the timing diagram of FIG. 7 may produce a voltage Vout that is less than an input voltage on the power supply lines 300/305 (i.e., Vout is regulated). For example, the voltage Vout may have a value that is less than or greater than half of the of the input voltage, e.g., within about 5% of half of the input voltage. In other words, if the input voltage is 800V, then driving the converter 215A of FIG. 6 according to the timing shown in FIG. 7 may produce an output voltage Vout of between about 380-420V. The final value of the output voltage Vout within this range may depend upon the timing and number of pulses of the switching elements 320/325 during time periods TP1 and TP2 (e.g., pulses at times t2, t3, t5, and t6). Providing control or regulation of the value of Vout according to example embodiments allows for the BMS 203 to balance the voltages supplied to the batteries 205/210, for example, during a charging operation. Such voltage regulation of Vout may also be useful for driving auxiliary components of the vehicle 100, for example, auxiliary components that utilize less than the 400V output of the converter 215 in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In view of at least FIGS. 6 and 7, it should be understood that the controller 220 supplies the first, second, third, and fourth control signals CON1 to CON4 to 1) turn ON and OFF the first and second switching elements 310/315 such that i) the first switching element 310 is ON for a first time period TP1 while the second switching element 315 is OFF for the first time period TP1, and ii) the first switching element 310 is OFF for a second time period TP2 while the second switching 315 element is ON for the second time period TP2; to 2) pulse the third switching element 320 ON and OFF at least once during the second time period TP2; and 3) pulse the fourth switching 325 element ON and OFF at least once during the first time period TP1.

FIG. 8 illustrates a timing diagram for controlling the switching of the plurality of switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 in FIG. 6 according to at least one example embodiment. In more detail, FIG. 8 illustrates ON/OFF states for the switching elements 310, 315, 320, and 325 in FIG. 6.

At time t1, the controller 220 supplies the first control signal CON1 to the first control signal line 345 to turn OFF the first switching element 310 for a first time period TP1. Also, at time t1, the controller 220 supplies the second control signal CON2 to the second control signal line 350 to turn ON the second switching element 315 for the first time period TP1. At time t1, the controller 220 supplies the fourth control signal CON4 to the fourth control signal line 360 to turn OFF the fourth switching element 325 (or ensure that switching element 325 remains OFF) for the first time period TP1.

During the first time period TP1, the third switching element 320 may be pulsed ON and OFF at least once. For example, at time t2, the controller 220 supplies the third control signal CON3 to the third control signal line 355 to pulse the third switching element 320 ON and OFF. Again, at time t3, the controller 220 supplies the third control signal CON3 to the third control signal line 355 to pulse the third switching element 320 ON and OFF.

At time t4, the controller 220 supplies the first control signal CON1 to the first control signal line 345 to turn ON the first switching element 310 for a second time period TP2, supplies the second control signal CON2 to the second control signal line 350 to turn OFF the second switching element 315 for the second time period TP2, and supplies the third control signal CON3 to the third control signal line 355 to turn ON the third switching element 320 for the second time period TP2. As shown, the controller 220 supplies the fourth control signal CON4 to the fourth control signal line 360 to ensure that the fourth switching element 325 remains OFF for the second time period TP2.

At time t5, the controller 220 returns to supplying control signals in accordance with time periods TP1 and TP2 described above, where TP1 includes times t6 and t7 for pulsing the third switching element 320. In other words, time periods TP1 and TP2 alternate.

Here, it should be appreciated that time period TP1 and TP2 in FIG. 8 may have different durations. For example, time period TP1 may be longer than time period TP2. For example, TP1 may have a duration of about 55 us and TP2 may have a duration of about 45 us.

Here, it should be appreciated that the pulses at times t2, t3, t6, and t7 in FIG. 8 may have a desired duration of, for example, about 1 microsecond (or other desired value selected based on the resonant inductance value). In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the time period TP1 and TP2 may continue to alternate for a desired duration (e.g., the duration of the charging operation). Further, the timing of the pulses at times t2, t3, t6, and t7 within the time periods TP1 and TP2 may vary according to design preferences. In at least one example embodiment, the timing of these pulses is based on a desired amount of inductor current through the inductor in the resonant circuit 330. For example, if the pulses at t2 and t3 (and at t6 and t7) are too close together, then the inductor current becomes undesirably large and/or unstable. On the other hand, if the pulses at t2 and t3 (and at t6 and t7) are too far apart, then the inductor current in the resonant circuit 330 becomes undesirably low. Accordingly, the timing of the pulses are within the time periods TP1 and TP2 may be selected to as to achieve a desired inductor current through the inductor of the resonant circuit 330. The desired inductor current may be a design parameter set based on empirical evidence and/or preference.

It should be further appreciated that the time periods TP1 and TP2 as well as the number of pulses for switching elements 320 and/or 325 are not limited to the number and/or duration shown in FIG. 8 and may vary according to design preferences. Additionally, it should be understood that driving the converter 215A of FIG. 6 according to the timing diagram of FIG. 8 may produce a voltage Vout that is less than an input voltage on the power supply lines 300/305. For example, the voltage Vout may have a value that is less than or greater than half of the of the input voltage, e.g., within about 5% of half of the input voltage. In other words, if the input voltage is 800V, then driving the converter 215A of FIG. 6 according to the timing shown in FIG. 8 may produce an output voltage Vout of between about 380-420V. The final value of the output voltage Vout within this range may depend upon the timing and number of pulses of the switching elements 320/325 during time periods TP1 and TP2 (e.g., pulses at times t2, t3, t6, and t7). Providing control of the value of Vout according to example embodiments allows for the BMS 203 to balance the voltages supplied to the batteries 205/210, for example, during a charging operation. Such voltage regulation of Vout may also be useful for driving auxiliary components of the vehicle 100, for example, auxiliary components that utilize less than the 400V output of the converter 215 in FIGS. 3 and 4.

In view of FIGS. 6 and 8, it should be understood that example embodiments include the controller 220 supplying the first, second, third, and fourth control signals CON1 to CON4 to turn ON and OFF the first, second, and third switching elements 310/315/320/325 such that i) the first and third switching elements 310/320 are ON for a first time period TP1 while the second switching element 315 is OFF for the first time period TP1, ii) the first and third switching elements 310/320 are OFF for a second time period TP2 while the second switching element 315 is ON for the second time period TP2, iii) the third switching element 320 is pulsed ON and OFF at least once during the second time period TP2, and iv) the fourth switching element 325 is OFF for the first and second time periods TP1 and TP2.

By changing the control signals CON3 and CON4 in FIGS. 7 and 8 according to a desired output voltage and load conditions, the output voltage Vout of the converter 215A can be regulated.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method relating to FIGS. 1-8. In more detail, the operations of FIG. 9 are carried out to charge the first and second batteries 205/210 and/or supply power to other components of the vehicle 100.

While a general order for the steps of the method 900 is shown in FIG. 9, the method 900 can include more or fewer steps or can arrange the order of the steps differently than those shown in FIG. 9. Generally, the method 900 starts at operation 904 and ends at operation 920. The method 900 can be executed as a set of computer-executable instructions executed by the controller 220 and encoded or stored on a computer readable medium. Additionally or alternatively, the operations discussed with respect to FIG. 9 may be implemented by the various elements of the system(s) FIGS. 1-8. Hereinafter, the method 900 shall be explained with reference to the systems, components, assemblies, devices, user interfaces, environments, software, etc. described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-8.

In operation 908, the method 900 determines whether to regulate the output voltage Vout of the converter 215A. If not, the method 900 proceeds to operation 912 and drives the converter 215A according to the timing diagram of FIG. 4 to output an unregulated voltage Vout (e.g., at about 400V). If so, the method 900 proceeds to operation 916 and drives the converter 215A according to the timing diagram of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 to output a regulated voltage Vout (e.g., at a desired value between 380V-400V).

Operation 908 may include the controller 220 determining a target voltage to which each battery 205/210 should be charged, and determining whether Vout should be regulated based on the target voltages. Here, the controller 220 may determine the target voltage by estimating (e.g., based on known battery properties and/or statistics) and/or measuring a maximum voltage to which the batteries 205/210 can be charged. For example, the maximum voltage to which the batteries 205/210 can be charged may change over time (e.g., become lower) as the batteries 205/210 deteriorate due to age, use, etc. Thus, the target voltage for each battery 205/210 may also change (e.g., become lower) over time. If the controller 220 determines that the target voltage is a voltage that less than the value of Vout output by driving the converter 215A according to FIG. 4, then the controller may determine to regulate Vout in accordance with FIG. 7 or 8. At least one other example for operation 908 includes the controller 220 determining whether Vout is desired for supplying power to one or more auxiliary components of the vehicle 100 that operate at a voltage that is less than or greater than, for example, 400V. If not, the controller 220 drives the converter 215A according to FIG. 4, and if so, then the controller 220 may drive the converter 215A according to FIGS. 7 and/or 8.

In view of the foregoing description, it should be appreciated that the timing diagram of FIG. 4 and method of FIG. 5 may also apply to the converter 215A in FIG. 6. That is, the controller 220 may control the converter 215A may carry out the timing diagram of FIG. 4 and method of FIG. 5 if desired. It should also be understood that the controller 220 may control the converter 215A according to one or more of the timing diagrams in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8 according charging/power supply preferences for the batteries 205/210 and/or auxiliary components of the vehicle 100.

In view of the foregoing description, it should be understood that the converters 215 and 215A of FIGS. 3 and 6 may each include additional switching circuitry (not shown) between Vout and each battery 205/210 (e.g., a switch, such as a transistor having a gate connected to the controller, is provided between Vout and the positive terminal of each battery) in order to allow the controller 220 to individually charge the batteries 205/210 if desired. For example, if the controller 220 determines that battery 205 is fully charged but battery 210 is not yet fully charged, the controller 220 may control the switching circuitry to cut off power supply to the battery 205 and to continue charging battery 210. The additional switching circuity may also be used to provide different regulated values of Vout to charge each battery 205/210.

In view of the foregoing description, it should be appreciated that example embodiments allow the BMS 203 to balance the batteries 205/210 by supplying separate desired charging voltages to each battery 205/210, which can improve the life and/or performance of the batteries 205/210 by avoiding battery damage due to overcharge and/or by ensuring that each battery is charged to its desired target voltage. Such advantages are possible as a result of the additional switching circuitry between Vout and each battery 205/210 in combination with the option to regulate Vout if desired.

In view of the foregoing description, it should be appreciated that one or more example embodiments provide a power/charging system(s) for an electric vehicle that has dual battery packs and a converter configuration that allows for fast charging. Example embodiments may also provide automatic balancing of the battery packs during charging regardless of which battery pack is loaded with the powertrain/auxiliary components. Further, example embodiments may reduce cost and footprint of the power system as well as the overall weight of the vehicle (e.g., by using a light weight converter).

Although example embodiments have been discussed with reference to specific voltage/current values, it should be understood that example embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, example embodiments may also be applied to vehicle systems that charge/operate at different voltages/currents than those specifically referenced herein.

Embodiments include a converter including a plurality of switching elements. The plurality of switching elements includes a first switching element coupled to a first control signal line that controls switching of the first switching element, a second switching element coupled to a second control signal line that controls switching of the second switching element, a third switching element coupled to a third control signal line that controls switching of the third switching element, and a fourth switching element coupled to a fourth control signal line that controls switching of the fourth switching element. The first, second, third, and fourth switching elements are connected in series and coupled between power signal lines that receive a first voltage from an external power source. The converter includes at least one capacitance coupled between the power signal lines and coupled to the plurality of switching elements, a first battery and a second battery. The converter includes a resonant circuit coupled to the plurality of switching elements. The plurality of switching elements, the resonant circuit and the at least one capacitance operate to convert the first voltage into a second voltage that charges the first battery and the second battery.

Aspects of the converter include that the at least one capacitance further comprises a first capacitance and a second capacitance. The first switching element and the second switching element are connected in parallel with the first capacitance. Aspects of the converter include a second capacitance. The third switching element and the fourth switching element are connected in parallel with the second capacitance.

Aspects of the converter include that the plurality of switching elements are insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs).

Aspects of the converter include that the resonant circuit is coupled between a first node and a second node. The first node is between the first switching element and the second switching element. The second node is between the third switching element and the fourth switching element.

Aspects of the converter include that the resonant circuit includes an inductance connected in series with at least one other capacitance.

Aspects of the converter include that the second voltage is less than the first voltage.

Aspects of the converter include that the second voltage is less than half of the first voltage.

Embodiments include a power system for an electric vehicle. The power system includes a first battery, a second battery, and a converter including a first switching element coupled to a first control signal line that controls switching of the first switching element, a second switching element coupled to a second control signal line that controls switching of the second switching element, a third switching element coupled to a third control signal line that controls switching of the third switching element, and a fourth switching element coupled to a fourth control signal line that controls switching of the fourth switching element. The first, second, third, and fourth switching elements are connected in series and coupled between power signal lines that receive a first voltage from an external power source. The converter includes at least one capacitance coupled between the power signal lines and coupled to the plurality of switching elements, the first battery and the second battery. The converter includes a resonant circuit coupled to the plurality of switching elements, the resonant circuit having a resonant frequency. The power system includes a controller to supply the first, second, third, and fourth control signals such that the converter converts the first voltage into a second voltage to charge the first battery and the second battery.

Aspects of the power system include that the first battery is coupled between an output line and a first power signal line of the power signal lines that is coupled to a positive terminal of the external power source, and the second battery is coupled between the output line and a second power signal line of the power signal lines that is coupled to a negative terminal of the external power source.

Aspects of the power system include that the first and second switching elements are coupled between the first power signal line and the output line, and that the third and fourth switching elements are coupled between the output line and the second power signal line.

Aspects of the power system include that the at least one capacitance further comprises a first capacitance and a second capacitance. The first capacitance is coupled between the first power signal line and the output line so as to be in parallel with the first and second switching elements. The second capacitance is coupled between the second power signal line and the output line so as to be in parallel with the third and fourth switching elements.

Aspects of the power system include that the resonant circuit is coupled between a first node and a second node. The first node is between the first switching element and the second switching element, the second node is between the third switching element and the fourth switching element.

Aspects of the power system include that the resonant circuit includes an inductance connected in series with at least one other capacitance.

Aspects of the power system include that the controller supplies the first, second, third, and fourth control signals to 1) turn ON and OFF the first and second switching elements such that i) the first switching element is ON for a first time period while the second switching element is OFF for the first time period, and ii) the first switching element is OFF for a second time period while the second switching element is ON for the second time period; 2) pulse the third switching element ON and OFF at least once during the second time period; and 3) pulse the fourth switching element ON and OFF at least once during the first time period.

Aspects of the power system include that the first time period and the second time period alternate.

Aspects of the power system include that the first time period and the second time period have equal durations.

Aspects of the power system include that the controller supplies the first, second, third, and fourth control signals to turn ON and OFF the first, second, and third switching elements such that i) the first and third switching elements are ON for a first time period while the second switching element is OFF for the first time period, ii) the first and third switching elements are OFF for a second time period while the second switching element is ON for the second time period, iii) the third switching element is pulsed ON and OFF at least once during the second time period, and iv) the fourth switching element is OFF for the first and second time periods.

Aspects of the power system include that the first time period and the second time period alternate.

Aspects of the power system include that the third switching element is pulsed ON and OFF twice during the second time period.

Embodiments include a method including supplying first, second, third, and fourth control signals to first, second, third, and fourth switching elements of a converter, respectively, such that the converter converts a first voltage into a second voltage, the second voltage being less than the first voltage. The method includes charging a first battery and a second battery with the second voltage.

Any one or more of the aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein.

Any one or more of the aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein optionally in combination with any one or more other aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein.

One or more means adapted to perform any one or more of the above aspects/embodiments as substantially disclosed herein.

The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” “or,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “A, B, and/or C,” and “A, B, or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” can be used interchangeably.

The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation, which is typically continuous or semi-continuous, done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be “material.”

Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an embodiment that is entirely hardware, an embodiment that is entirely software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module,” or “system.” Any combination of one or more computer-readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium.

A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer-readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer-readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including, but not limited to, wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

The terms “determine,” “calculate,” “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A converter, comprising: a plurality of switching elements including: a first switching element coupled to a first control signal line that controls switching of the first switching element; a second switching element coupled to a second control signal line that controls switching of the second switching element; a third switching element coupled to a third control signal line that controls switching of the third switching element; and a fourth switching element coupled to a fourth control signal line that controls switching of the fourth switching element, the first, second, third, and fourth switching elements being connected in series and coupled between power signal lines that receive a first voltage from an external power source; at least one capacitance coupled between the power signal lines and coupled to the plurality of switching elements, a first battery and a second battery; and a resonant circuit coupled to the plurality of switching elements, wherein the plurality of switching elements, the resonant circuit, and the at least one capacitance operate to convert the first voltage into a second voltage that balances voltages of the first battery and the second battery.
 2. The converter of claim 1, wherein the at least one capacitance further comprises: a first capacitance, wherein the first switching element and the second switching element are connected in parallel with the first capacitance; and a second capacitance, wherein the third switching element and the fourth switching element are connected in parallel with the second capacitance.
 3. The converter of claim 1, wherein the plurality of switching elements are insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs).
 4. The converter of claim 1, wherein the resonant circuit is coupled between a first node and a second node, wherein the first node is between the first switching element and the second switching element, wherein the second node is between the third switching element and the fourth switching element.
 5. The converter of claim 4, wherein the resonant circuit includes an inductance connected in series with at least one other capacitance.
 6. The converter of claim 1, wherein the second voltage is less than the first voltage.
 7. The converter of claim 6, wherein the second voltage is less than half of the first voltage.
 8. A power system for an electric vehicle, comprising: a first battery; a second battery; a converter including: a first switching element coupled to a first control signal line that controls switching of the first switching element; a second switching element coupled to a second control signal line that controls switching of the second switching element; a third switching element coupled to a third control signal line that controls switching of the third switching element; and a fourth switching element coupled to a fourth control signal line that controls switching of the fourth switching element, the first, second, third, and fourth switching elements being connected in series and coupled between power signal lines that receive a first voltage from an external power source; at least one capacitance coupled between the power signal lines and coupled to the plurality of switching elements, the first battery and the second battery; and a resonant circuit coupled to the plurality of switching elements, the resonant circuit having a resonant frequency; and a controller to supply the first, second, third, and fourth control signals such that the converter converts the first voltage into a second voltage to balance voltages of the first battery and the second battery.
 9. The power system of claim 8, wherein the first battery is coupled between an output line and a first power signal line of the power signal lines that is coupled to a positive terminal of the external power source, and wherein the second battery is coupled between the output line and a second power signal line of the power signal lines that is coupled to a negative terminal of the external power source.
 10. The power system of claim 9, wherein the first and second switching elements are coupled between the first power signal line and the output line, and wherein the third and fourth switching elements are coupled between the output line and the second power signal line.
 11. The power system of claim 10, wherein the at least one capacitance further comprises: a first capacitance coupled between the first power signal line and the output line so as to be in parallel with the first and second switching elements; and a second capacitance coupled between the second power signal line and the output line so as to be in parallel with the third and fourth switching elements.
 12. The power system of claim 8, wherein the resonant circuit is coupled between a first node and a second node, wherein the first node is between the first switching element and the second switching element, wherein the second node is between the third switching element and the fourth switching element.
 13. The power system of claim 12, wherein the resonant circuit includes an inductance connected in series with at least one other capacitance.
 14. The power system of claim 8, wherein the controller supplies the first, second, third, and fourth control signals to: turn ON and OFF the first and second switching elements such that i) the first switching element is ON for a first time period while the second switching element is OFF for the first time period, and ii) the first switching element is OFF for a second time period while the second switching element is ON for the second time period; pulse the third switching element ON and OFF at least once during the second time period; and pulse the fourth switching element ON and OFF at least once during the first time period.
 15. The power system of claim 14, wherein the first time period and the second time period alternate.
 16. The power system of claim 15, wherein the first time period and the second time period have equal durations.
 17. The power system of claim 8, wherein the controller supplies the first, second, third, and fourth control signals to: turn ON and OFF the first, second, and third switching elements such that i) the first and third switching elements are ON for a first time period while the second switching element is OFF for the first time period, ii) the first and third switching elements are OFF for a second time period while the second switching element is ON for the second time period, iii) the third switching element is pulsed ON and OFF at least once during the second time period, and iv) the fourth switching element is OFF for the first and second time periods.
 18. The power system of claim 17, wherein the first time period and the second time period alternate.
 19. The power system of claim 18, wherein the third switching element is pulsed ON and OFF twice during the second time period.
 20. A method, comprising: supplying first, second, third, and fourth control signals to first, second, third, and fourth switching elements of a converter, respectively, such that the converter converts a first voltage into a second voltage, the second voltage being less than the first voltage; and balancing, during a charging operation, voltages of a first battery and a second battery using the second voltage. 